In this issue...

• Lessons Learned
• Upcoming Events
• Instructor Spotlight
• Upcoming Workshops
• Creativity Circles

As many of you know, in May, my husband and I completed the Camino Primitivo, a 220-mile hike across northern Spain. (You can read about our adventure in  Buen Camino!, a book my husband wrote and posted to his OneDrive account. If prompted to log in to the OneDrive app, just click the "X" to dismiss the popup.)  My intention for the hike was to simply enjoy myself; unlike other “pilgrims” (as Camino hikers are typically called), I wasn’t trying to work through a difficult situation or have some life-altering epiphany. Nevertheless, one doesn’t walk away from such an experience (pun intended!) without a few thoughts…

First, I was reminded that, even after 50-some odd years of working on it, I'm still lacking  in the self-confidence department—at least compared to my husband. When we were walking and passed a historical structure, for example, I would ask him a question, like how old he thought a building was, or what he thought the structure was used for. He would always give me a definitive answer, and I would always believe him. It was only after I plied him with additional questions that I’d learn he was just guessing. If he had asked me the same questions, I would have prefaced my responses with, “I think” or “maybe,” just in case I was wrong.

I witnessed a similar phenomenon regarding our hiking skills. My husband never doubted his ability to navigate mud, rocks, etc. without falling, which allowed him to go faster and prevented him from falling. I, on the other hand, always heard “Be careful!” In the back of my mind, which slowed me down and, I’m sure, caused me to stumble more.

On the other hand, I also learned that I’m stronger, physically and mentally, than I thought I was. I never really doubted that I’d be able to complete the Camino, as I walk a lot and have done many non-technical mountain climbs. I did, however, wonder if I’d enjoy hiking 15-plus miles a day, through the Asturian mountains, for 16 days.

To my surprise, while I didn’t particularly like getting rained on, or walking on hard, hot tarmac, or summitting mountain after mountain, it didn’t really phase me. I was tired at the end of each day, but I wasn’t exhausted, and, after getting a good night’s sleep, I was always ready to go the next morning—and I actually looked forward to the day’s adventure.

So, what does this have to do with you?

In my experience, most women struggle with self-confidence—and most women are much stronger than they think they are. Although I think women, as a whole, willingly take on too much responsibility, they don’t give themselves enough credit for juggling everything on their plate. I don’t know many men who will put in a full-day’s work, and then put in a full-night’s work taking care of everything that didn’t get done during the day.

That’s why it’s so important for women to make art. It’s something we do just for ourselves, and, thus, it’s a great way to reclaim some of the energy we sacrifice serving others. It also makes us feel good about ourselves (most of the time, anyway!), which is critical for building our self-confidence.

If you’ve not been into your studio for a while, I would encourage you to get back into the habit. Summer is a particularly disruptive time of year, so it may be more difficult over the next couple of months, but I know you can do it! Just take one step at a time—play in your studio for just a couple of hours a week, or sign up for just one workshop this summer. I promise that you'll be glad you did!

Before I sign off, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to all of the folks who helped move Purple Crayon to our new location in Reynolds Village (50 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 111):

• Jessica Auge, who helped us find our new location and negotiate great terms for our new lease
• Susan Kinney, who helped pick colors for our new space (and did it pro-bono!)
• Rhoda Gregory, who served as my amazing handywoman, doing pretty anything and everything needed to get the new space ready
• PC members Stori Walker and Kathleen Forrest, who helped polyurethane the creation stations so members no longer need to protect them
• PC member Terri Carr for providing a surprise lunch on the day of the move
• PC's awesome members, who provided input on decisions, packed their stations in preparation for the move, gave up their stations for the week we had to close, and generally provided support throughout the process

I couldn't have done it without you!

Slowly but surely, things are getting back to normal at the studio, and we're excited to offer lots of great workshops this month, including the always-popular Eco Printing and Alcohol Inks workshops on July 5th and July 13th, respectively, as well as Altoid Tin Shadow Box on July 20th, a unique way to experiment with mixed media.

I look forward to playing with you at the new space! 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Upcoming Events

Instructor Spotlight

Upcoming Workshops

Creativity Circles & Other Members-Only Events